The 2020–21 Birmingham City W.F.C. season was the club's 53rd season in existence and their 10th in the FA Women's Super League, the highest level of the football pyramid, having been founding members of the league in 2011. Along with competing in the WSL, the club will contested two domestic cup competitions: the FA Cup and the League Cup.
Carla Ward was appointed manager ahead of the new season on 13 August 2020, taking over from Charlie Baxter who had been put in charge on an interim basis following the departure of Marta Tejedor during the previous campaign.[1]
On 5 April 2021, it was revealed a formal letter signed by all Birmingham City players had been sent to the club's board with a list of complaints including concerns about working conditions, lack of gym facilities, medical support, travel provisions, squad size and part-time coaching staff which would contradict WSL licensing rules. Numerous requests by the squad to meet with the board had previously been rejected and there was a fear that the club was not committed to funding a full-time team for the following season with only three players under contract past June 2021.[2] The letter received support from the PFA as well as mass social media coverage from former and current players around the WSL.[3] On 8 April, the letter was addressed in a club statement with the board expressing their disappointment an internal issue was made public, refuting the factual accuracy of many of the points reported and citing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic as context for both the financial strain and practical difficulties with regards to providing adequate facilities but reaffirming they were still committed to supporting the team. The statement also confirmed a deal had been agreed to host the women's team's home games at the club's main St Andrew's stadium for the 2021–22 season.[4]
On 14 May 2021, Ward announced her resignation effective as of the team's final game of the season on 16 May.[5]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Note: Postponed due to Birmingham player shortage.[10] On 18 March 2021, an independent tribunal awarded three points to Tottenham after Birmingham were deemed to have breached Rule 11.3.18. in failing to fulfil the fixture. No scoreline was specified.[11]
Stadium: St George's Park Attendance: Behind-closed-doors Referee: Helen Conley
Note: Rescheduled from 20 December 2020 due to waterlogged pitch. Venue changed by WSL Executive Operations Committee after Damson Park was deemed not to meet requirements.[14]
Stadium: St George's Park Attendance: Behind-closed-doors Referee: Lisa Benn
Note: Rescheduled from 20 January 2021 due to waterlogged pitch. Venue changed by WSL Executive Operations Committee after Damson Park was deemed not to meet requirements.
Stadium: Damson Park Attendance: Behind-closed-doors Referee: Lucy May
Note: On 7 May 2021, Birmingham were deducted the point earned from this game having fielded Ruesha Littlejohn in error, thinking the player had served her league suspension in the FA Cup game seven days earlier. The club were also fined £400 and Littlejohn was forced to serve a one match ban.[7]
As a member of the top two tiers, Birmingham City will enter the FA Cup in the fourth round proper. Originally scheduled to take place on 31 January 2021, it was delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions.[17][18] Due to the delay, the competition only reached the fifth round before the end of the season. It resumed at the quarter-final stage the following season on 29 September 2021, at which point Scott Booth was Birmingham City manager.
